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Bournemouth manager Howe over 'nuisance' transfer window

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has labelled the January transfer window a 'nuisance'.

Several Premier League clubs will have play on Wednesday night as the transfer deadline comes to a close.

The Cherries have the added pressure of facing Chelsea, and Howe hopes his players remain focused at the task at hand rather than the deals being swung across the league.

He said: "It was a difficult day. I'm sure every club in the Premier League will be having very similar situations where maybe players aren't as focused on games as they should be and there are external distractions, whether that be from agents or other clubs.

"We found that day very difficult so I hope we don't find tomorrow the same. It was an uncomfortable experience because I felt it knocked our preparations for the Crystal Palace game.

"There was nothing we could control so it wasn't something we did, it's just making sure the focus of every player within your squad is on the game and not the window.

"These games are hard enough without distractions from the outside so we have to make sure everyone is focused on getting three points.

"At the moment everything seems quite quiet so we are in a position where we can concentrate on the match. My focus will be on the game and there will be nothing which will break that, unless I get a message from somewhere.

"But I don't envisage that being the case. My focus will be very much on Chelsea and I can deal with things after the game.

"This window has been fascinating, although it's been a nuisance for me. You want to focus on the football and everything else is a bit of a distraction."